Facing The Fragmented Inner World Of A Split Personality

How To Cope With Multiple Personality Disorder

Split-personality disorder, a dissociative identity disorder also commonly referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a very rare and painful psychological condition. A great deal of controversy surrounds multiple personalities, and the disorder is often misdiagnosed. Living with multiple personalities before a diagnosis is confusing, both for the person suffering from split-personality disorder and for loved ones. Once treatment begins, however, the outcome is promising. Learn how to recognize the signs of split-personality disorder and consider the following tips for coping with multiple personalities.

What are Multiple Personalities?Officially listed as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition, this condition is a fragmenting of one’s personality. At least two distinct personalities must be present for a diagnosis to be made. Prevalence statistics vary greatly, from .1 percent to as much as 10 percent of the general population, with women outnumbering men by a ratio of three to one, to as much as nine to one.

The core personality has no awareness of the other personalities, called alters, because these alternate personas control her consciousness and memories when they are dominant. As a result, she has periods of time and pieces of personal history for which she cannot account. Some signs include:

- Not remembering behavior or events, even when confronted by others who were present.- “Mistaken identity” incidents, when she encounters people with whom one of the alters associates.- Finding possessions that she does not recall buying.- Discovering that relationships have changed, although she has no recollection of discussions or events leading to the change.- Periods of time for which she has no memory.- Incomplete memories from her personal history.

Other signs that are noticed by family and friends when an alter personality is functioning include:

- Distinct changes in speech, behavior, style of dress, knowledge, skills, and attitudes.- Physiological changes, such as not needing glasses.- Trance-like states

What Dissociative Identity Disorder is NotWe all have a range of mood states, behaviors and typical responses for different situations and roles. A person may appear reserved and professional at work, yet be very emotional and spontaneous in her personal life, for example. Or she might become especially bold or withdrawn in the face of conflict, when she is normally introverted or expressive under other circumstances. This is normal adaptive behavior. Different aspects of one’s personality are given more or less expression during different situations, but the person remains aware of who she is and has control over and recollection of these behavioral choices. The cohesiveness of the person’s identity remains.

With multiple personalities, alters come out without the person’s knowledge or consent, and there is no memory of what is said or done during this time.

Split-personality disorder is not schizophrenia, which is a common misconception. Schizophrenics suffer a split from reality, often having hallucinations or hearing voices, however, they do not have multiple personalities and can recall what they have experienced.

DID also is sometimes confused with Borderline Personality Disorder, another condition related to identity. BPD is characterized by intense mood swings and associated changes in attitude and behavior. However, unlike those with split personality, the person remains aware of whom they are and what they do throughout these changes.

People with multiple personalities are often first diagnosed with other coexisting conditions, including depression, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. During the course of therapy for these conditions, evidence of the existence of alters begins to emerge, eventually leading to the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder.

Several diagnostic tools are used when a clinician suspects DID. The Structured Clinical Interview for Dissociative Disorders and the Dissociative Disorders Interview Scale are both used to confirm the presence of symptoms required for a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder. The Dissociative Experiences Scale is a screening tool that identifies the need for further testing.

What Causes Multiple Personalities to Develop?With overwhelming frequency, people with DID report a history of extensive childhood abuse, either physical or sexual. Researchers believe the personality splits as a defense mechanism to protect the child from the physical and emotional pain associated with the trauma. She dissociates, or separates, her awareness from the harmful event. The alter personalities develop in order for her to deal with specific aspects of the abuse. For example, there is often a child alter, who experienced and recalls the trauma; a protector alter, who watches over the core personality and possesses the strength and drive to face conflict; and/or an alter whose behavior and motives reflect the child’s internalization of her abuser’s characteristics. Reports show that people in treatment for DID have between two and 100 distinct alters present, with most people having fewer than 10.

Treatment for Multiple PersonalitiesSince the root of DID is a loss of integration of consciousness, identity, and behavior, the goal of treatment is reintegration. This requires long-term psychotherapy, in which the therapist guides the client in first deconstructing the various personalities, then integrating those identities into the core personality.

Symptoms of co-existing conditions, such as depression and anxiety, must be controlled in order for therapy to progress. There are no medications used to treat DID directly, but anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are sometimes useful in stabilizing the patient so therapy can be more effective.

What to do if You Think You Suffer from Split-Personality Disorder- Find a therapist who has experience working with DID. In addition to having the right qualifications, the best therapist for you is one with whom you feel safe and can talk to openly. For some women, especially survivors of childhood sexual abuse, this may mean seeking a female therapist. The development of trust between you and the therapist is essential to a positive outcome.

- The average time between the presence of the first symptoms and diagnosis is six years. Begin the process as soon as you suspect multiple personalities are present. Offer the testimony of trusted family members or friends who have observed and can corroborate your symptoms, as diagnosis sometimes depends on client reports being verified by others.

- Learn about potential triggers that bring out your alters. Those with split-personality disorder report a number of common triggers, and being aware of them will help you manage your life in a way that minimizes unpredictability. This includes maintaining good health, reducing daily stress and seeking help with exceptionally stressful events.

- The course of therapy to treat DID and successfully integrate the disparate identities into a unified whole is long and often frightening. Know this at the outset and be prepared to stay the course. You will be facing memories and emotions that are so powerful they cause you to abandon yourself to find refuge. Your therapist will help you process the fear, anger and grief that surface.

- Be willing to learn new ways of coping and responding to other people and your environment. Part of the healing process involves replacing dissociative and dysfunctional reactions with healthier, more productive skills. It may feel foreign at first, but in time, the new behaviors will serve as effective tools for navigating your life.

- Try to stay open-minded about various psychotherapeutic techniques. In addition to talking, treatment for multiple personalities includes hypnosis, play therapy, and other creative techniques. Ask questions to alleviate any anxiety about a new approach your therapist recommends.

- Seek out information. Educate yourself by reading about DID and successful case histories. Join groups, either in person or online, that provide a community of others who share your experiences. Talk to those who have achieved integration; their stories will inspire and give you strength.

Healing from split-personality disorder, though difficult, is cause for hope and celebration. Though it seems contrary when you are facing painful memories and coping with disruptive symptoms, entering therapy is the first step toward healing. Your alter personalities are not separate entities. They are disowned parts of you. The process of healing involves a reclaiming of your life and yourself.

Which Personality Disorder Do You Have?Everyone has idiosyncrasies that might lend themselves to a personality disorder. Take a look at the silly side of being addictive, compulsive, dependent, and antisocial and keep an open mind while you take this personality disorder quiz. Discover your neurosis and find out which quirky personality disorder best defines you.